Customizable figure

ABSTRACT

A fully customizable figure having an external covering capable of receiving and displaying a variety of media is disclosed. The figure is customized for/by a user via the application of text and/or graphics to the figure. An embodiment of the figure includes an external covering capable of receipt and display of various media covering substantially the external surface of the figure. A different embodiment includes one or more areas designated to receive and display text and/or graphics. Various embodiments feature semi-permanent and permanent retention of media applied to the figure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to figures or toys, and more particularly to a figure or toy capable of individualized customization via application of ink or other media to the figure/toy.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Types of figures and toys abound. Additionally, concepts for applying written information to figures or toys exist. For example, it is known to provide a toy that includes an area designed to receive a mailing label. However, the use of a toy of this type is limited in a number of ways relevant to the present invention. For example, a toy only capable of receiving a mailing label or decal does not allow for the toy to be truly customized through the application of a variety of text, graphics, etc. Additionally, such prior art toys limit the application of even pre-printed or single-purpose text or graphics to one or more designated areas, further reducing the overall customization potential of the toy.

[0003] For purposes of this application, the term “figure” is used to encompass toys, figures, dolls, stuffed animals, robots, and the like, and the term “media” is used to encompass all types of ink, graphite, lead and dyes, as well as any other media suitable for use with the present invention.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention comprises a figure capable of being customized via the application of ink or other media such that the figure can be individually customized with text, graphics and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the figure is composed of a material capable of receiving and displaying media (e.g., ink or other suitable media) anywhere on its external surface. In other embodiments of the present invention, the figure includes one or more designated areas for receipt and display of media. In all embodiments the figure is fully customizable in that one can draw, print, doodle or otherwise add written or graphical information to the figure using standard tools (e.g., pencils, pens, brushes) for same.

[0005] The figure of the present invention is customizable by the application of text, graphics or other marks or insignias capable of being formed via the use of various media, such as ink or graphite. As an example, a stuffed animal according to the present invention includes an outer covering capable of receiving and displaying ink or other suitable media to customize the toy animal with written messages, drawings, pictures, etc. Examples of uses for such an embodiment of the present invention include toy or stuffed animals capable of bearing theme-based messages for events like birthdays, weddings, graduations, anniversaries, holidays, and the like. Additionally, such embodiment could be more-specifically customized via the application of text and/or graphics of particular relevance to the person giving and/or receiving the toy. For example, a stuffed toy could be drawn on and otherwise customized via the application of text and/or graphics to reflect an affiliation with a sports team, or other group affiliation (e.g., Boy Scouts, religious group, political group, etc.).

[0006] In one embodiment of the customizable figure of the present invention, the external surface of the figure would receive and display various media on a relative permanent basis. In other words, text and/or graphics applied to this embodiment of the figure could not be easily removed. In a different embodiment, the figure would include an external surface capable of receiving and displaying various media, but would be capable of treatment (e.g., cleansing, washing or other suitable process) that would remove the applied media so that the figure could be customized again via the application of other text and/or graphics. This embodiment would also facilitate individualized customization of the figure since, in effect, it allows one customizing the figure to quickly and easily “erase” mistakes, typographical errors, etc., as text and/or graphics are applied.

[0007] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the customizable figure of the present invention;

[0009]FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the customizable figure of the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the customizable figure of the present invention; and

[0011]FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the customizable figure of the present invention including one or more designated areas for the application of media.

[0012] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] In FIG. 1 an embodiment of the customizable FIG. 100 of the present invention is shown. This embodiment of the customizable FIG. 100 comprises a body 110 having an external surface 120 capable of receiving and display one or more media. The body 110 includes a trunk 130, a head 140, arms 150 and legs 160. For purposes of this application, the term “figure” is used to encompass toys, figures, dolls, stuffed animals, robots, and the like, and the term “media” is used to encompass all types of ink, graphite, lead and dyes, as well as any other media suitable for use with the present invention.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the customizable FIG. 100, the external surface 120 covers substantially the entire body 110 of the customizable FIG. 100. For example, in this embodiment the external surface 120 substantially covers the trunk 130, the head 140, the arms 150 and the legs 160. This feature of the customizable FIG. 100 allows a user to apply one or more media to substantially any portion of the body 110 (i.e., the trunk 130, the head 140, the arms 150 and the legs 160) of the customizable FIG. 100. The ability to add text and/or graphics to virtually all portions of the body 110 of the customizable FIG. 100 provides the user with numerous options to customize the customizable FIG. 100.

[0015] Customizing the customizable FIG. 100 of the present invention can occur in numerous ways. As merely a representative example, customization via the application of text and/or graphics can center on group affiliations, such as sports teams, religious groups, civic groups, political organizations, schools and companies. Using this example, a user may add text and/or graphics to show his or her support for a favorite sports team. Customization according to this example might include adding a jersey color and player number to the trunk 130, the lines of a “helmet” to the head 140, and finger-less gloves and cleat shoes to the arms 150 and the legs 160, respectively, to provide the customizable FIG. 100 with a uniform like those used by the favorite team of the user. Moreover, text and/or graphics could be added to the trunk 130 to reflect the name of one or more favorite players (e.g., a family member, like a son), the score of an important game, player statistics, and the like. The result is a fully customized FIG. 100 uniquely communicating affiliation with the sport team.

[0016] A user may wish to customize the customizable FIG. 100 of the present invention in accordance with an important event, such as a birthday, anniversary, religious or secular holiday, and the like. As merely an example, media in the form of text and/or graphics could be added to the customizable FIG. 100 to wish a child a happy birthday. Such an example might include the addition of drawings around the head 140, trunk 130, arms 150 and legs 160 of the body 110 to reflect the markings of a “gingerbread man.” Lines around the distal ends of the arms 140 and legs 150, and around the “neck” of the trunk 130 could indicate the clothing of the gingerbread man. Moreover, exaggerated, colored “lips” and stylistic “eyes” could be added to the head 140 to depict the face of a gingerbread man. Finally, text and/or graphics, such as the name and age of the child, identity of person providing the customized FIG. 100 to the child, and best wishes on his or her birthday or other messages, could be added to the trunk 130 of the body 110. The result is a fully customized FIG. 100 that is a fully individualized gift for the recipient.

[0017] Customization can also be theme-based, where the customizable FIG. 100 is customized to reflect the view of the user/recipient on causes, political issues, social issues and the like. As an example, a user could wish to customize the customizable FIG. 100 to show support of a local animal shelter. Following this theme, a user could add text and/or graphics to the head 140, arms 150 and legs 160 of the body 110 to depict an animal (e.g., add “paws” and a “snout” to depict a dog). Further customization could be accomplished by applying text and/or graphics to the trunk 130 to provide information on the animal shelter, reflect fund-raising information, a donation to the shelter, etc. The result is a theme-based fully customized FIG. 100.

[0018] As a final categorical example, customization can be related to a specific service or product. A company may want to market or advertise a new product, for example. Following this example, a company may add text and/or graphics to the trunk 130, head 140, arms 150 and legs 160 to depict a desired “consumer” (e.g., a teenager). “Shoes”, “jewelry” and “clothing” could be drawn onto the customizable FIG. 100 to accomplish this depiction. Additionally, text and/or graphics could be added to the trunk 130 to identify the new product, the company, the company's other products, a “coupon” for the new product, and perhaps even a depiction of the teenager “wearing” or otherwise using (e.g., eating, carrying) the product. The result is a fully customized figure capable of marketing a new product.

[0019] Although several categorical and specific examples of customization are outlined above, it is noted that the customization options associated with the customizable figure of the present invention are limitless. For example, customization of the customizable figure of the present invention could be used to replace the use of personalized notes for virtually any occasion (e.g., birthdays or holidays) and for any sentiment currently expressed via the use of a greeting card (e.g., congratulations, get well, love, hate, friendship, etc).

[0020] In FIG. 2, a side view of an embodiment of the customizable FIG. 200 is shown. Here again, the customizable FIG. 200 comprises a body 210 having an external surface 220 capable of receiving and displaying media. The body 210 comprises a trunk 230, a head 240, arms 250 and legs 260. This embodiment of customizable FIG. 200 is shown customized as a “gingerbread man,” and serves as a birthday gift for a child.

[0021] Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown a rear view of an embodiment of the customizable FIG. 300 of the present invention. The customizable FIG. 300 comprises a body 310 having an external surface 320 capable of receiving and displaying media. Here again, the body 310 comprises a trunk 330, a head 340, arms 350 and legs 360. This embodiment of customizable FIG. 200 is shown customized as a “consumer,” and is used in connection with the promotion of a new product, a wristwatch.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a different embodiment of the customizable FIG. 400 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the FIG. 400 comprises a body 410 including a trunk 430, a head 440, arms 450 and legs 460. However, in this embodiment the body 410 includes areas 470 and 480 designated as areas capable of receiving customizing text and/or graphics. This is in contrast to the embodiments show in FIGS. 1-3 that are capable of receiving and displaying text and/or graphics substantially anywhere on the external surface of the body.

[0023] Additionally, the areas 470 and 480 are especially adapted to receive and display not only customizing text and/or graphics, but also to receive and display labels, decals or other adhesive-based materials. This feature provides a full range of customizing options for the customizable FIG. 400 by allowing a user to add text and/or graphics using media and/or decals, labels or other materials.

[0024] Another feature of the various embodiment of the customizable FIG. 400 is the ability to permanently or semi-permanently retain media applied to the figure. In one embodiment, media applied to a customizable figure in the form of text and/or graphics will be retained on a permanent basis. Materials and media (e.g., indelible inks) known in the art are employed to produce this feature. Preferred external surface materials for this embodiment include raised-surface papers, cotton, canvas, certain leathers, plastics and resins. Although the foregoing materials are preferred, it is noted that any suitable material may be employed for the external covering.

[0025] In a separate embodiment of the customizable figure of the present invention, the material composing the external surface or the designated areas will readily accept and display media, but will also allow a user to subsequently remove such media, through washing or other suitable process, providing a “blank” customizable figure capable of being customizable again. The ability to remove the media applied to the customizable figure also provides an editing function for a user customizing the figure. For example, if text and/or graphics are added that include a typographical error, a mistake or other undesired feature, it can be “erased” from the figure. Non-permanent inks, erasable graphite, self-adhesive media (e.g., decals) coupled with the same or similar base materials (e.g., papers, cotton, canvas, certain leathers, plastics and resins) accomplish this feature of the invention.

[0026] Although the representative examples and Figures generally describe and illustrate the customizable figure as having the general shape and features of a person (i.e., head, trunk, arms and legs), it is noted that the customizable figure can take any suitable shape or form, including all types of people, animals, shapes and objects.

[0027] It is further noted that the customizable figure of the present invention encompasses the use of coverings, such as “clothing” or other accessories, with the figure. For example, a bear could include “pajamas” that would cover some of the figure. All such combinations are contemplated by the customizable figure of the present invention.

[0028] A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A figure capable of individual customization, comprising: a body having an external surface; said body having an external material covering the external surface; said external material capable of receiving and displaying one or more selectively removable media such that text and graphics can be added to the figure to customize the figure; and said external material substantially covering the body of the figure.
 2. The figure of claim 1, wherein the external material substantially covers the body of the figure.
 3. The figure of claim 1, wherein the external material covers only at least one predetermined area of the figure.
 4. The figure of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a head portion, a trunk portion, at least one arm portion and at least one leg portion.
 5. The figure of claim 1, wherein the media is ink.
 6. The figure of claim 1, wherein the media is graphite.
 7. The figure of claim 1, wherein the media is lead.
 8. The figure of claim 1, wherein the media is indelible.
 9. The figure of claim 1, wherein the media is selectively removable.
 10. The figure of claim 1, wherein the external material is composed from a material selected from a group consisting of: paper, cotton, canvas, leather, plastic, and resin.
 11. The figure of claim 4, wherein the figure represents a general shape of a person.
 12. The figure of claim 4, wherein the figure represents a general shape of an animal.
 13. The figure of claim 1, wherein the figure represents a general shape of an object.
 14. The figure of claim 1, wherein customization of the figure reflects one or more items selected from a group consisting of a theme, a group affiliation, an event, a product and a service.
 15. The figure of claim 1, wherein customization of the figure is accomplished by an end-user.
 16. The figure of claim 1, wherein customization of the figure is accomplished by a third party for an end-user.
 17. The figure of claim 3, wherein the media applied to the figure is a decal or label.
 18. The figure of claim 1, wherein the figure is a toy.
 19. The figure of claim 1, wherein the figure is a doll.
 20. The figure of claim 1, wherein the figure is a plush animal. 